A Struggle for Recognition and Equality

Women are warriors, soldiers, and fighters. Whether it's on the battlefield, at home, in the armed forces, or anywhere else, they play these roles.

An Overview: The History

Throughout human history, even before the 9th century, women have served in fighting roles on battlefields. Many individual women have fought for their nations. The best example is Rani Laxmi Bai who fought for her Jhansi. Another example is Begum Hazrat Mahal, who fought for independence during the revolt of 1857. There are many other examples of women who have served on the frontlines.

Despite this, it wasn't until 1992 that India began hiring women for non-medical positions in the armed forces.

Later in 2007, around 100 women were deployed as policewomen in Liberia as the United Nations' first all-female peacekeeping force.

Then in 2014, the Indian Air Force had 8.5% women, while the Indian Army and Navy had around 3% and 2.5% women officers, respectively.

In 2015, women started serving as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force.

The Current Scenario

In 2020, the Indian Supreme Court ordered that women officers be given Permanent Commission (PC) and be eligible for commanding posts in the armed forces.

Views of Different Official Bodies on the Topic

In January 2020, India's Supreme Court encouraged the government to lift the ban on women officers in combat roles.

"You can't judge or measure the strengths of women; they are no less than men. We shouldn't prohibit or reject women officers as a class. There's a need to change the attitude and mindset of people in India," the Supreme Court stated in its report.

Since 1992, the Indian Armed Forces have been admitting women into fighting roles. Women have taken on various challenging roles as fighter pilots, police officers, navy officers, and more.

However, according to government reports, "One male Indian isn't yet mentally prepared to have female commanders. There are many limitations for women, like motherhood, childcare, family rituals, etc."

One military officer responded, "Military training is about reshaping the mindset and attitudes that soldiers bring from their backgrounds."

These days, besides the armed forces, women in India work as doctors, pilots, nurses, engineers, lawyers, CEOs, and more. They also treat soldiers on the battlefield and remove mines. Women have shown they can do almost anything, from serving at home to serving the nation.

According to 2019 reports, only 3.8% of the Armed Forces are women, compared to 13% in the Air Force and 6% in the Navy. There are only 1,500 women officers compared to over 40,000 male officers.

Despite their service to the nation, women still face male dominance in areas like the armed forces and battlefields.

According to Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defense Staff General, "No women soldiers are serving on the front line of the battlefield because they may feel uncomfortable there." He added that women need maternity leave, more privacy, and protection. He also said India isn't ready to accept "body bags of women" killed in combat.

Many nations allow women soldiers to serve in combat roles. For instance, in 2013, the American military allowed women in combat roles, and in 2018, the UK military did the same. These examples show progress towards gender equality.

The Stressed Situation at Borders:

In June 2020, during a speech in LEH (Ladakh), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I see women soldiers on the front line. It's inspiring to see women officers and warriors here." This is another example of women's bravery and strength.

More women are taking serious and active roles in the armed forces, serving on the front lines in conflicts as peacekeepers and fighters.

Some people still argue that women don't have the physical strength to meet the standards and expectations of male soldiers.

How?

But if women lack the physical strength and abilities for combat, how can they compete in the Olympics? How do they win medals and awards like the Padma Bhushan? How do athletes like Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom gain so much recognition?

The COVID Situation:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many stressful situations arose at the borders—land (Indian Army), air (Indian Air Force), and water (Indian Navy). Around 3,500+ women served at Indian borders during this time. All three armed forces have women officers on their respective battlefields.

All Over the World:

Many countries allow women in combat roles. Countries like the United States, Israel, North Korea, France, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, and Australia offer front-line combat roles. However, India still lags behind.

In my opinion, a woman is a warrior and can serve in any role she is given, whether in the armed forces, navy, as a doctor, or even as a mother. She is equal to a man in both physical and mental standards.

Patriarchy shouldn't come between equality and common sense.

Another Perspective of the Topic:

Every sector is a battleground for women, whether it's education, corporate culture, government jobs, or the freedom to choose their dreams. Women still face male dominance not because they are less talented or capable but because some men aren't ready to accept women competing with them.

Some men are accepting the change, but others are still stubborn. Men need to accept that women can do anything they want. The mindset and attitude of the new generation in India need to change.

During the COVID pandemic, women as nurses and doctors have served their nations and citizens, working day and night, leaving their families and physical pain behind. This shows that women are as strong as men in both physical and practical terms.

The Closing Statement:

In conclusion, whether a person is male or female, they should be given equal chances and opportunities on battlefields to prove themselves. People shouldn't be judged based on their gender but on their capabilities and strength, both mental and physical.